We truly didn’t see it coming: Of all the beauty influencers in the Kardashian-Jenner clan, who would have thought that Kylie would be the one to ascend as the reigning social media queen and object of our collective cosmetics obsession? But in the past few years, the reality star has distinguished herself as one to watch in the beauty sphere — largely because she switches up her hair at an impressively breakneck pace.
Faster than you can say "Snapchat," the reality queen and beauty entrepreneur pivots from waist-length hair to an at-the-shoulder lob, from crazy-colored tresses to her natural hue. And she looks good at every turn, thanks to a bevy of extensions and masterfully dyed wigs that always leave us wondering, D id she or didn’t she? Think you’re onto her vibe? Check Instagram. She’s changed it again. With her hair game this good, chasing Kylie has never been more fun. As for the rest of us, we’re all on notice: Watch the throne, Kim — #KingKylie has arrived.
"I begged my mom for a year to dye my hair, and finally at 9 years old she let me do this and only this! Changed everything," Kylie tweeted alongside a pic of the streak that started it all.
Photo: via @kyliejenner.
Before becoming known as a master color chameleon, in 2011 Kylie stuck with ultra-long, dark locks — like her older sisters.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
In one of her first bouts with color change in 2013, the pre-teen experimented with ombré, keeping the look for months — what now seems like eons for her.
Photo: Steve Granitz/Getty Images.
She may now be known for going from blond to black to green in a matter of days, but Kylie’s first foray into punky color came courtesy of a modeling gig for Avril Lavigne's Abbey Dawn clothing line.
Photo: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images.
Was there ever a weave, wig, or extension that Kylie didn’t like? Here in 2013, she plays with fringe and lightened ends by affixing a hair piece front and center.
Photo: David Livingston/Getty Images.
In 2014, Kylie began dabbling in some major hair play, beginning with this below-the-shoulder chop, spiked with blond tips.
Photo: JB Lacroix/Getty Images.
Kylie’s nod to the '90s doesn’t stop with matte, brown makeup. For the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards, the Lip Kit queen styled her almost black lob with a flip reminiscent of The Rachel.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
Electric teal has become a Kylie trademark — she’s created nail polish in the shade, bathed her beauty blog in it, and is known to spike her hair with the hue from time to time. Back in 2014, the burgeoning beauty icon donned the shade for the first time, surprising fans and serving as a storyline in Keeping Up by causing stylistic khaos for Kim’s wedding.
Photo: Jon KopaloffGetty Images.
For the 2015 MTV Movie Awards, Kylie called upon a pinup classic: Bettie Page-inspired jet-black hair and bangs to complement winged liner and major lashes.
Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images.
What better moment to rock the throwback socialite look that was Paris Hilton’s signature in the 2000s than on your 18th birthday — and while being presented with a new convertible?
Photo: Keith Johnson/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images.
When suiting up for the #BalmainArmy, Kylie let the embellished dress designs do all the talking by styling her ultra-dark lob with a clean center-part, stick-straight finish, and monotone makeup.
Photo: Sonia Moskowitz/Getty Images.
These loose waves with ever-so-slight honey highlights are a Kardashian classic, perfected by half-sister Kim.
Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images.
From promoting candy on the red carpet to walking the streets of New York, Kylie has employed this pale-green wig on many occasions. One rule she follows when going green? Keeping outfits monochrome and muted, so all eyes land on the hair.
Photo: Taylor Hill/Getty Images.
Waist-length extensions in a deep brown? Check. Appearance on a yacht in Cannes? Check. Barely there evening ensemble? Check. Eighteen-year-old Kylie looks every bit the part while following a classic Kardashian trajectory in 2015.
Photo: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images.
Stripped of extensions, wigs, and dye jobs, Kylie’s hair — here in 2015, styled in a simple, waved lob — looks refreshingly classic.
Photo: Steve Granitz/Getty Images.
The trick to keeping Kylie’s complexion from looking dull when going to an ultralight, buttery blond in 2015? Keeping the roots dark and natural.
Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images.
Another Wednesday, another wig. Still, Kylie sticks to her style rule: The best way to accent these mermaid-blue strands, created by Tokyo Stylez, is with simple makeup and nude-toned clothes.
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images.
The electric-green wig Kylie wore last year works because its roots anchor the look with her natural dark shade.
Photo: gotpap/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images.
For Halloween 2015, Kylie got in on the gray-hair trend.
Photo: via @kyliejenner.
Yes, this simple topknot puts the reality star's face on display for formal events. But the easy-and-chic look also serves as her go-to for airport days and paparazzi-accompanied shopping excursions.
Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images.
If there’s one thing Kylie is doing right, it’s upping the celebrity wig game. This faded, cotton-candy-pink number, worn at the Vera Wang fall 2016 show, is not only washed out to faded perfection but cut with face-flattering layers and shade-enhancing fringe.
Photo: Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images.
In one of our favorite looks to date, Kylie debuted chic navy tresses in March 2016. But like with most of her looks, we blinked and it was gone.
Photo: Gerardo Mora/Getty Images.
Just days later, Jenner was spotted rocking blond hair. Now that even Kendall has had a blond moment, we're dreaming of a time when the whole Kardashian clan opts for light wigs at once. Maybe their next family Christmas card? Kris, Kourtney, you game?
Photo: via @kyliejenner.
Jenner whipped out a bold, peach-colored wig just in time for Coachella.
Photo: via @kyliejenner.
But the peach strands didn't last long. Just a day later, Jenner opted for rainbow braids to match her somewhat "controversial" sequined bathing suit.
Photo: via @kyliejenner.
Less than a week later, Kylie posted this selfie wearing what we assume is an expertly crafted wig for a Marie Claire photo shoot. We've got to admit, this shaggy bob is one of our favorite looks the social media star has sported.
Photo: via @kyliejenner.
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Ashley Tisdale's Rose-Filter Hair Color Is Magical